Pragmatism Prevails: Barroso’s European Commission

Summary:

This briefing paper considers the way the 2004-09 Commission differs from previous ones, and the context in which the Barroso Commission Strategy was developed. It explores how this new pragmatism has emerged. It sets the scene by examining the appointment of the Commission in October/November 2004.

It then considers the reform context inherited by the Barroso Commission, assessing both the internal administrative reform and the wider institutional reforms, insofar as they altered the formal structure of the College and the powers of its President. The final section takes a preliminary look at the Barroso Commission’s policy agenda.